Rockets' new owner Tilman Fertitta expected to be approved next weekend

Tilman Fertitta bought the Houston Rockets for a record $2.2 billion in early September. While it hasn’t officially been approved by the league, it’s just about completed. Former owner Les Alexander already commented on the sale and the organization has issued a statement about Fertitta as the new owner. According to Fox 26’s Mark Berman, Rockets’ CEO Tad Brown and Fertitta met with the NBA’s Board of Governors to discuss the sale and everything went smoothly.

NBA sources: #Rockets CEO Tad Brown and Tilman Fertitta met with the ownership committee of the NBA's Board of Governors in New York today. Everything went well and expectations are Fertitta will be approved as the new owner of the Rockets by the end of next week,.

Fertitta bid $81 million for the team back in 1993 but was outbid by Alexander’s $85 million. This has been a dream of his for many years as he is a big fan of the team aside from his own business aspirations. Fertitta attended a team dinner recently and left everybody impressed.

“By the end [of dinner], I was ready to go out and play on the floor myself,” said GM Daryl Morey. “He has a lot of energy. He’s a team guy. He’s a winner – he wants us to win. We do as well,” added Trevor Ariza.

Fertitta has been a friend of the organization for decades and has the support of people within the organization from players to legends to executives. He built most of his business empire on restaurants and casinos. Fertitta has past experience working in sports as he was an initial investor with the Houston Texans.

“I am excited to welcome and pass the torch to Tilman,” Alexander said. “He is a Houstonian business leader and committed to the success and excellence of the Rockets both on and off the basketball court. I have personally known Tilman for over 24 years and don’t think I could have found anyone more capable of continuing the winning tradition of our Houston Rockets.”